2019 reform · fully rolled out
How the reformed BAC teaches and tests
The new framework combines “common culture + specialties + guidance,” with 60% final exams + 40% continuous assessment. Think of it as national papers plus ongoing academic records, similar to a blend of standardized tests and portfolio review.
Reform objective
Personalized choices
Pick three specialties in Première, keep two in Terminale, directly tied to university majors.
Takeaway for families
Manage like a dual system
Balance daily grades and anticipated exams—similar to combining ongoing GPA with final tests.
Reform milestones
2018
Plan announced
Ministry released the three-module structure and 60/40 scoring.
2019
First cohort
Seconde (grade 10) began studying under the new curriculum.
2021
First reformed BAC
New exam mix and Parcoursup integration launched together.
2026–2027
Further updates
Math joins anticipated exams; Grand Oral coefficient adjusts from 10 to 8.
Structure
Course makeup after reform
Three blocks
- Common core (tronc commun): French, history–geography, modern languages, philosophy, science education, PE, and moral & civic education.
- Specialties (enseignements de spécialité): Choose 3 in Première, keep 2 in Terminale, each with high coefficients.
- Guidance and projects: Personalized support, Parcoursup prep, and oral presentation training.
60/40 scoring
Final exams
60%
Première anticipated + Terminale national exams
Continuous assessment
40%
Transcript-based performance
From Seconde onward
The reform starts in Seconde with shared courses; specialty choices happen in Première. Families should review strengths early.
Continuous output
Daily grades affect 40% of the BAC, so steady participation, assignments, and teacher appreciations matter.
Parcoursup alignment
University applications review specialties, coefficients, and continuous assessment, so course choices should fit future majors.
Coefficients
Weights for finals vs. continuous assessment
Core coefficients (general track)
Final exams (60%) include French, math anticipated exam (from 2026), two specialties, philosophy, and the Grand Oral. Continuous assessment (40%) covers other core subjects and the dropped specialty.
- Specialty 1: coefficient 16 (Terminale)
- Specialty 2: coefficient 16 (Terminale)
- French written + oral: coefficient 10 (Première)
- Math anticipated exam: coefficient 2 (Première, from 2026)
- Philosophy: coefficient 8; Grand Oral: coefficient 8
Why it matters
Specialties dominate the final exam weight, so course selection and sustained preparation are crucial.
Planning
Practical tips for families
Language & adaptation
Start French training before Seconde or early in Première. Strengthen listening/speaking for anticipated exams and the Grand Oral.
Course selection
Choose specialties that fit university targets (STEM, economics, humanities, arts). Keep two consistent narratives for Parcoursup.
Visa and scheduling
Plan visa submission around French exam timing and school calendars. Leave buffer for homestay arrangements and oral exam practice.
Need a tailored plan?
Sanai advisors provide end-to-end French high school support
We guide specialty choices, language training, and Parcoursup strategy so the reformed BAC stays manageable for French High School Study Abroad.